It may be. I don't think there are 2 $900 1986 Jags in Harrisburg. It'd be funny if there were.
It may be. I don't think there are 2 $900 1986 Jags in Harrisburg. It'd be funny if there were.
In reply to markwemple: Jaguar has some of the best parts made in them. The only weakness is how was it assembled and who's messed with it since..
I swear that the people who tightened the ground wires had to have the wrist strength of a 5 year old girl.. As a result weird seemingly unsolved electrical issues occur. Want reliability? Re-tighten each of the many-many ground wires (black) and then spray them with a good sealant..
The issue of who's worked on it is more complex.. The attraction of working on a Jaguar (Especially the V12) causes many improperly informed mechanics to try their luck with the expected resulting issues.. Many- many times I've seen mechanically perfect engines torn into because the mechanic needed to make a boat payment (or some other financial excuse) and he could mislead a poorly informed trusting owner.
Since most of the transmissions are heavy duty versions of GM with the bell housings casting designed for the Jag engine (or weaker ZF) they a re extremely rugged.. The sole exception is the early cast Iron Borg Warner (A weak Obsolete Poor hunk best left back in the Studebaker it came from) and the later transmission used in the 4 valve all aluminum six cylinder.. (desperately needs additional cooling.
Driven by owners who either have a knowledgeable Jaguar mechanic or have their own knowledge Jaguars can be as reliable as a clock..
In reply to frenchyd:
Funny, I was just corresponding with my father about a '52 Studebaker he once owned. His major complaint was the Borg Warner transmission was a "POS."
In reply to markwemple: Pop the hood.. if you see signs of hack work (rounded nut's, missing washers, gobs of silicon, aftermarket radio, etc.) close the hood and walk away..
If it looks reasonably original and the oil, etc. has been changed regularly they can be wonderful.
However it's up to your wife.. Don't try to talk her into it. If she has her heart set on a Honda or something just remember. Happy wife, happy life.
I'm guilty of it as I'm sure a lot of us gearheads are.
In reply to rslifkin: The inboard rear brakes can be easily worked on by simply dropping the whole rear cage. Which is pretty simple to do and allows you to service the whole rear end. Access to the grease fittings, adjusting the parking brake, clean up and detailing all become really easy.. However if you just want to replace the rear pads and things aren't hopelessly rusted I'd work under a hoist rather than attempt it on your back..
In reply to markwemple: Try XK"s Unlimited for a stake down kit.
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